Title: Founder, Psychotherapist, and Advisor
Company: Persona Psychotherapy Center, PLLC
Location: College Place, Washington, United States
Margarete A. Chase, PhD, Founder, Psychotherapist, and Advisor at Persona Psychotherapy Center, PLLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Healthcare Professionals for dedication, achievements and leadership in psychology and mental health.
With more than 35 years of experience, Dr. Chase has devoted her career to supporting vulnerable populations, strengthening families, and advancing the fields of family counseling and organizational psychology. Since founding Persona Psychotherapy Center, PLLC in 1992, she has provided psychotherapy, counseling, and consulting services for individuals, couples, and families in both Brazil and Washington. Her work integrates clinical expertise with a highly personalized and insight-driven approach designed to empower individuals to achieve greater emotional resilience, relational success, and professional fulfillment.
In addition to her clinical and advisory work, Dr. Chase oversees organizational operations, mentors and supervises professionals, develops educational curricula for children and adolescents, delivers lectures and training programs on psychology, human behavior, leadership, interpersonal relationships, and family dynamics. She also authors articles and professional materials in these fields – especially those related to psychology and mental health. Her expertise in personal development, family counseling, couples therapy, and organizational psychology has earned her the respect of colleagues and clients across diverse professional and cultural environments. As she continues to evolve her practice, Dr. Chase is increasingly focused on serving as a trusted advisor to individuals seeking guidance in leadership, family dynamics, wellness, and personal development.
Before establishing her private practice, Dr. Chase worked for more than three decades in Brazil as a counselor, licensed clinical psychologist, educator, and researcher. During this time, she collaborated with the United Nations on initiatives supporting street children, partnered with the Brazilian government on educational development programs, and trained foster parents and parenting counselors. She also founded programs dedicated to assisting disadvantaged youth, reflecting her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children facing adversity and empowering vulnerable populations through education, advocacy, and psychological support.
Dr. Chase’s professional experience extends beyond traditional clinical settings. She served for more than a decade as a law office manager and administrative supervisor, where she combined her operational expertise with her background in psychology to support legal professionals and organizational effectiveness. In the United States, she worked as a case manager at CARE in North Carolina, helping individuals navigate complex social service systems with compassion and practical guidance.
A particularly influential figure in Dr. Chase’s career was Dr. Isaac Roitman, who selected her from a highly competitive group of candidates to establish research programs for science master’s and doctoral candidates pursuing advanced international studies and research. His mentorship helped shape her interdisciplinary and globally informed approach to psychology, leadership, and education. Following the selection by Dr. Roitman, she served as chief research coordinator for both the undergraduate and graduate schools at the University of Mogi das Cruzes, where she worked closely with faculty researchers and directly with students within research departments in the advancement of interdisciplinary scholarship in scientific research. In this leadership role, she developed and implemented the Institutional Scientific Initiation Scholarship Program (PIBIC) for the undergraduate program, as well as the Faculty Qualification Support Program (PAQD) for the graduate and doctoral researchers. In her capacity, she was responsible for overseeing professors who were completing graduate research. Dr. Chase also worked directly with medical residents, overseeing academic coordination and providing professional support within the university’s medical and scientific programs.
Dr. Chase also taught advanced psychology courses to law and nursing students, cultivating future professionals through both high academic standards and mentorship. Earlier in her career, she worked in education as both a teacher and principal in Brazil, beginning her teaching career at just 15 years old after successfully completing rigorous academic and psychological evaluations.
Dr. Chase’s academic accomplishments are equally impressive. She earned a Master of Arts in education, followed by a Master of Arts in counseling with highest distinction, as well as a Doctor of Ministry and a Doctor of Philosophy. She is also a licensed mental health counselor, reflecting her commitment to excellence and the delivery of compassionate, exceptional care. Committed to lifelong learning and staying at the forefront of developments in her field, Dr. Chase remains involved in professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association.
Beyond her clinical and academic work, Dr. Chase is deeply committed to community service and volunteerism. She has volunteered with Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Center, the Department of Psychology at Wake Forest University, Brenner Children’s Hospital, and helps Hope Heals. Her humanitarian efforts also extend internationally through volunteer work with orphanages in India and Brazil, as well as support for local charitable organizations within her community.
Dr. Chase’s passion for helping others is rooted in her own early life experiences. Raised by her mother under conditions of poverty, food insecurity, and unstable housing, she developed the resilience, compassion, and empathy that would later shape her personal and professional mission. These formative challenges inspired her lifelong dedication to understand others and empower them through psychological care and education.
Among Dr. Chase’s proudest accomplishments is witnessing the success and personal growth of the many children and families she has mentored throughout her career. Many of her former preschool and elementary students have gone on to become accomplished professionals in the fields of psychology, medicine, law, business, engineering, and academia, while others are influential family and community leaders.
Today, Dr. Chase continues to expand her impact through nonprofit initiatives focused on supporting children and families. She is also dedicated to developing lectures, educational materials, and resource guides designed to help families better understand the vital roles both mothers and fathers play in a child’s emotional development and long-term success.
Dr. Chase also continues placing greater emphasis on mentorship, personal advising, and transformational guidance. Through private consultations, speaking engagements, educational resources, and nonprofit initiatives, she remains dedicated to helping individuals and families build emotionally healthy, purpose-driven, and successful lives. Her vision is to equip future generations with the personal and relational tools and understanding necessary to thrive both personally and professionally. Through decades of service, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Chase has made a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities across continents, leaving a legacy defined by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to mental health and human development.
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